The number behind an NBA player’s jersey isn’t something that was thought about on a whim. It relates to an important part of one’s history or another individual that they wish to pay tribute to. Similar to Michael Jordan’s iconic 23 to Kobe Bryant’s 8, these numbers would later go on to become an important part of these legend’s identities. However, even with the arrival of Chris Paul to the San Antonio Spurs, his 24-year-old teammate is refusing to back down for one emotional reason, despite public demand and CP3’s legacy.

Earlier today, Keldon Johnson revealed that he will continue wearing the #3 jersey. For context, that number has been with him since he was drafted into the franchise, and the NBA, in 2019. This revelation was made by the player himself, as he participated in a meet-and-greet session at South Padre Island. When reportedly asked by Spurs fan Victor Juarez, “Are you keeping (jersey number) 3,” Johnson replied, “Yeah, I’ll be number three next year, for sure.”

This number is the same one that the newest veteran addition to the Spurs, aka Chris Paul, has been donning since 2005! Unfortunately, with Johnson not looking to abandon 3, and the fact that two players on an NBA roster cannot have the same number, the 12x NBA All-Star will have to look for another numerical figure to cover his back after almost two decades!

Ironically, Chris Paul is one of the two reasons why Keldon Johnson wears the No. 3!

“Growing up, I was the third child. And when I was growing up, Chris Paul was my favorite player. I watched a lot of his highlights when I was younger. I was the third child, and it all came in line,” the young gun said. After 5 years in the league, the number has taken such a hold on the shooting guard that he wouldn’t even abandon it for his idol! Speculation that the 6-foot 5 player will continue wearing ‘3’, even with Chris Paul coming in, first made waves during the latter’s introductory ceremony in early July.

An important part of any introductory presser is the player posing alongside his new team jersey with the name and the number highlighted at the back. However, when his time came, Chris Paul did not hold up a Spurs jersey with 3, or any other number!

Changing jersey numbers is not a rare occurrence in the NBA. After spending over 13 years with the Miami Heat, along with a brief stint with the Chicago Bulls, Dwyane Wade changed his jersey number from 3 to 9 after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. He had to do so since Isaiah Thomas, who was taken in the same year, took the number for himself.

Shaquille O’Neal, who donned no. 32 during his years with the Orlando Magic, changed it to number 34 after joining the Lakers. He did so since the franchise had retired the number in honor of the mighty Magic Johnson. Therefore, knowing how much he wants to be part of the budding San Antonio Spurs, Chris Paul may likely be open to making this change.

Chris Paul is “excited” to play alongside Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama

Gregg Popovich is a legend in the hoops community. After all, he is the longest-tenured active coach in the NBA, having devoted over 28 years to the San Antonio Spurs as head coach and winning 5 Championships. Another individual who the Spurs can boast of possessing is Victor Wembanyama. The French player had one of the best individual rookie seasons in NBA history, as he became one of only 4 players, since the NBA/ABA merger, to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks during his first season after Shaquille O’Neal in 1999-2000. Because of this, Chris Paul is on cloud nine on joining the Spurs.

In a video devoted to Spurs fans, the 39-year-old stated, “I would have never thought in a million years that I’d get an opportunity to play for Pop, but I am so excited. Excited about this young and talented team. Cannot wait to get there and get to work and see what we got a chance to do. Go Spurs.”

During an ‘NBA TV’ segment on July 1, renowned journalist Chris B Haynes stated “He’s (Chris Paul) excited about the chance to pair up with Wembanyama… Pop just sold him on the culture and what they’re trying to do.”

The Spurs had one of the worst records in the 2023-24 NBA season, as their win record simply stood at 22-60. However, a partnership with Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama, and Coach Pop will change that. That is if the veteran would not be sour about losing his jersey number!

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.